In the children’s book, “Go, Dog, Go,” P.D. Eastman described a canine gathering on a tree as, “A dog party! A big dog party!” On Saturday, Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., dogs of all sizes, shapes and colors will strut their stuff at the Marietta Mutt Strutt at First United Methodist Church of Marietta, 56 Whitlock Ave., Marietta 30064. This big dog party benefits Sweetwater Mission.

Sweetwater Mission battles poverty in the community by providing essentials such as food, clothing, school supplies and more.

“Sweetwater Mission has been quietly meeting the needs of Cobb County’s indigent population for nearly 50 years. As the county grows, so do the needs,” said Linda Oviatt, director of Outreach for Sweetwater Mission.

The family friendly event will feature Bluegrass music, food, giveaways, Dachshund races, pet adoption opportunities from eight rescue groups, Kid Zone and more than 50 vendors, including a display of Harley Davidson motorcycles to luxury cars to artists. Canines can enjoy free treats at the Bone Bar. Co-chair Bert Reeves will entertain with Jazz in the Pavilion.

Jr. Miss Cobb will start the pet parade and help judge the costume contest.

Dogs will parade past the Grand Parents Grandstand as they wind through the parking lot of the Winwood Retirement Community.

“Marietta Mutt Strutt will raise the awareness of those (indigent) needs, and engage the community to become involved in meeting those needs by partnering with Sweetwater Mission,” Oviatt explained.

The nonprofit needs the community’s help to continue to its work. “We serve more people more food more often than any other agency in Georgia. We have already served over 6,313 Georgia families through May of this year. Every day over two tons of food goes out the front door,” said Oviatt, a west Cobb resident who is married to Brad Oviatt. They have one child Sarah, 17. She is a senior at Harrison High School.

Sweetwater Mission changes lives through other avenues such as education and creative employment opportunities, clothing, and school supplies. “Nearly 35,000 articles of clothing have been freely given to our neighbors in need. Two thousand students were identified as homeless by the Cobb County school system last year. We work with school social workers to provide them new underwear, socks and shoes. Last year we provided cap & gowns, book fees, uniforms, computers and college test fees to our kids,” she said.

“We stabilize families by providing basic needs,” Oviatt said.

Marietta Mutt Strutt will be tail wagging good time. “Our dogs are on a mission,” Oviatt said.

Public welcome. To learn more about Sweetwater Mission visit sweetwatermission.org or the event visit mariettamuttstrutt.com.

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